NHL commissioner Gary Bettman trimmed four games from the suspension of Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres for his hit to the head of Chicago Blackhawks standout Marian Hossa during the playoffs.

Torres’ penalty was reduced from 25 games to 21 after he appealed the severity of the ruling by NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. Bettman heard the appeal May 17.

“This type of on-ice conduct cannot and will not be tolerated in the National Hockey League,” Bettman said in a statement. “We have seen similar behavior before from Mr. Torres and, particularly given the league's heightened scrutiny on hits to the head, I believe that a very significant penalty is warranted in this case.

“We hope and expect that the severity of this incident, and the league's response to it, will help prevent any similar incident from occurring in the future.”

After the April 21 suspension for a hit that left Hossa with a concussion, Torres missed the Coyotes’ final 13 playoff games. He’ll be forced to sit out the entire preseason and the first eight games of the 2012-13 regular season.

The suspension will cost Torres approximately $170,000 in lost salary.